is mind was ever reaching out for spiritual knowledge. He gave his fellow workers instruction
in spiritual things, and he also set an example of industry and thoroughness. He was a quick, skillful
worker, diligent in business, “fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” As he worked at his trade, the apostle
had access to a class of people that he could not otherwise have reached....
Paul sometimes worked night and day, not only for his own support, but that he might assist his
fellow laborers. He shared his earnings with Luke, and he helped Timothy. He even suffered hunger
at times, that he might relieve the necessities of others. His was an unselfish life.—The Acts of the
Apostles, 351, 352.
Paul’s Practical Example to Self-supporting Laymen.—Paul set an example against the
sentiment, then gaining influence in the church, that the gospel could be proclaimed successfully only
by those who were wholly freed from the necessity of physical toil. He illustrated in a practical way
what might be done by consecrated laymen in many places where the people were unacquainted with
the truths of the gospel. His course inspired many humble toilers with a desire to do what they could to
advance the cause of God, while at the same time they supported themselves in daily labor.
Aquila and Priscilla were not called to give their whole time to the ministry of the gospel, yet these
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humble laborers were used by God to show Apollos the way of truth more perfectly. The Lord employs
various instrumentalities for the accomplishment of His purpose; and while some with special talents
are chosen to devote all their energies to the work of teaching and preaching the gospel, many others,
upon whom human hands have never been laid in ordination, are called to act an important part in
soulsaving.
There is a large field open before the self-supporting gospel worker. Many may gain valuable
experiences in ministry while toiling a portion of the time at some form of manual labor, and by
this method strong workers may be developed for important service in needy fields.—The Acts of the
Apostles, 355.
Go in the Spirit That Endued Paul.—Go to your neighbors one by one, and come close to them
till their hearts are warmed by your unselfish interest and love. Sympathize with them, pray with them,
watch for opportunities to do them good, and as you can, gather a few together and open the Word of
God to their darkened minds. Keep watching as he who must render an account for the souls of men,
and make the most of the privileges that God gives you of laboring with Him in His moral vineyard.
Do not neglect speaking to your neighbors and doing them all the kindness in your power, that you
“by all means may save some.” We need to seek for the spirit that constrained the apostle Paul to go
from house to house, pleading with tears and teaching “repentance toward God, and faith toward our
Lord Jesus Christ.”—The Review and Herald, March 13, 1888.
The First Works of the New Testament Church.—The first works of the church were seen when
the believers sought out friends, relatives, and acquaintances,
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and with hearts overflowing with love, told the story of what Jesus was to them.—Special Testimonies,
series A, no. 2, p. 17.
Success of the New Testament Plan.—The more closely the New Testament plan is followed in
missionary labor, the more successful will be the efforts put forth. We should work as did our divine
Teacher, sowing the seeds of truth with care, anxiety, and self-denial. We must have the mind of Christ
if we would not become weary in well-doing. His was a life of continual sacrifice for others’ good. We
must follow His example.—Testimonies for the Church 3:210.
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Chapter Eight—Dorcas—Her Ministry and its
Influence
Restored to Life to Continue Her Ministry.—In the course of his ministry the apostle Peter visited
the believers at Lydda. Here he healed Aeneas, who for eight years had been confined to his bed with
palsy. “Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole,” the apostle said; “arise, and make thy bed.” “He arose
immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.”
At Joppa, which was near Lydda, there lived a woman named Dorcas, whose good deeds had made
her greatly beloved. She was a worthy disciple of Jesus, and her life was filled with acts of kindness.
She knew who needed comfortable clothing and who needed sympathy, and she freely ministered to
the poor and the sorrowful. Her skillful fingers were more active than her tongue.
“And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died.” The church in Joppa realized their
loss; and hearing that Peter was at Lydda, the believers sent messengers to him, “desiring him that he
would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they
brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats
and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.” In view of the life of service that Dorcas
had lived, it is little wonder that they mourned, that warm teardrops fell upon the inanimate clay.
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The apostle’s heart was touched with sympathy as
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he beheld their sorrow. Then, directing that the weeping friends be sent from the room, he kneeled
down and prayed fervently to God to restore Dorcas to life and healt
